BY BEN BILUA
CHAIR of the 54th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting has called on regional leaders to stand united.
In his opening remarks on Monday [Sept 8], Jeremiah Manele said Pacific solidarity must not be taken for granted amidst pressures from within and outside of the region.
He told leaders that regionalism journey is like the wansolwara voyage by Tepuke and Uto Ni Yalo who crossed the seas from Temotu to Guadalcanal province, navigating the storms and waves to reach their destination.
“Through this evolution, our solidarity has continued to stand the test of time – but we cannot be complacent, and we must not take our relationships, as a Forum Family, for granted.
“Success lies not only in the destination, but the journey itself. Similarly for regionalism, our success is in our collective journey across to achieve our shared vision,” Manele said.
He said much has happened since the Forum was birthed 54 years ago with culture and traditions, the character and nature of the Pacific Islands Forum have evolved with time.
Manele reminds leaders’ that past leaders have made sacrifices to keep regionalism alive and it is important for present and future leaders to carry the baton forward.
“Solomon Islands last hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting 33 years ago in 1992.
“In his opening address late Sir George Lepping reminded us that, “The old Order in the world is rapidly changing, we must adjust to the new realities and the new competition for resources and markets,” he said.
Manele said the need for regional cooperation has therefore become more important and more compelling than ever.
“Working together in cooperation, to achieve our common aspirations, will produce greater economic development for our people than operating as individual competing nations.
“We will have a more significant impact on the world stage by acting in concert than by addressing our aims individually,” he said.
